By Hector Flores
Omnipoint withdraws application, to community's delight
Christmas came a little early this year for East Meadow residents living near the intersection of Newbridge Road and Seventh Avenue when Andrew Overton, real-estate and zoning manager for Omnipoint Communications Inc., announced that the cell phone company was withdrawing its application to install six wireless communications antennas inside a 60-foot-tall light pole on top of a commercial building at the intersection's southwest corner.
The announcement was made during an East Meadow Civic Association meeting on Nov. 15. The group had invited Omnipoint representatives to address area residents living near the proposed site about their plan. But instead of a presentation, residents were treated to the announcement of the withdrawal, which was made official on Tuesday morning when the Town of Hempstead received a letter from Omnipoint attorneys withdrawing their application.
The letter read, "Please be advised that the applicant wishes to withdraw the application from the board's consideration," and was signed by Keith Brown.
Susie Trenkel, spokeswomen for the Town of Hempstead, said, "We received the letter this week, but we were not giving any reasons for the withdrawal."
Town of Hempstead Councilman Gary Hudes, a Republican from East Meadow, was pleased with the announcement. "I met with one of the residents across the street a month ago, and we discussed possible strategies against the phone company," Hudes said. "I am always concerned about the impact a tower has in the heart of a residential community as this one was proposed, and the neighbors were concerned about the aesthetics."
Hudes added that the homes would have been dwarfed by the tower, and their value put in jeopardy. "I am very happy that this proposal has been withdrawn from the location," he said.
Jonathan Brass, owner of Meadow Drugs, across the street from the proposed site, credited residents and local businesses for influencing the cell phone company's decision. "The community and business owners came together and showed a unified front against the cell companies and we won. This was a strong issue in the community, and some [residents] were even considering moving."
Brass said that since Omnipoint's application to the town's Board of Zoning Appeals was made public in September, a petition opposing the tower had collected hundreds of signatures. "My family has been in this business and has been at this location since 1964," he said. "And we will fight to keep the community safe."
But no one was more happy to hear the announcement than local homeowners. Anthony Azzato, who lives on Seventh Avenue, said, "I commend Omnipoint's decision," he said. "They did the proper move and withdrew their application and followed the wishes of the community."
Denise Azzato added, "I'm ecstatic. I have two children and they play in the yard, and now they will never have to see a cell phone tower when they're out playing. I'm thankful to Omnipoint for listening to the community."
Janet Franzese, another local resident, thanked Bob Zafonte, president of the East Meadow Civic Association, for leading the fight against Omnipoint. Zafonte, said, "The people of East Meadow are winners. We circulated petitions, and Omnipoint knew of our opposition. The tower that they were planning to place does not belong in a location so close to a community.
Zafonte added that Omnipoint's application withdrawal signifies a big win for civic organizations. "This is what civics are for," he said. "To fight for issues that are in the best interest of the community."
Although Omnipoint withdrew its application in East Meadow, Franklin Square residents who live near Franklin Bridge Centre on Dogwood Avenue are still fighting an Omnipoint proposal to install six wireless communication antennas inside a 65-foot-tall light pole in the shopping center's rear parking lot.
Calls to Omnipoint representatives for comment were not returned by press time.
Comments for this story? HFlores@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 283.
